Gulfstream G650 sets four speed records

BiS Connect

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s new flagship aircraft, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650, recently established four city-pair speed records in five days, connecting cities in the U.S., Middle East and Russia.

“The G650, which entered service just over two months ago, is redefining what business jet operators can expect from their aircraft,” said Gulfstream President Larry Flynn. “Its combination of performance, range, speed and comfort is unparalleled in our industry.

“When you fly on a G650, you are in for an unforgettable experience.”

The G650’s most recent city-pair record came on Jan. 28, when the aircraft departed Moscow Vnukovo Airport and landed at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport 9 hours, 33 minutes later.

The G650 cruised at Mach 0.90-0.91 for the 4,774-nautical-mile journey, which resulted in an average speed of 574 mph.

The aircraft’s record-setting week began on Jan. 23, when it took off from Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C., and landed at Doha International Airport in Qatar. The G650 flew 6,475 nautical miles at Mach 0.88 in 11 hours, 40 minutes, resulting in an average speed of 603 mph.

On Jan. 25, the G650 traveled from Doha International Airport to New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport at Mach 0.87 in 13 hours, 3 minutes. The aircraft completed its trip of 6,102 nautical miles at an average speed of 537 mph.

On Jan. 26, the G650 was piloted from Teterboro to Moscow Vnukovo at Mach 0.90. Covering a distance of 4,190 nautical miles, it landed in Moscow 7 hours and 47 minutes later, a record time. The G650’s average speed was 619 mph.

Pending approval by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association, these four G650 city-pair records will be sent to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in Switzerland for recognition as world records.

The G650, which had three city-pair records certified in 2012, earned its type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Sept. 7, 2012. The first aircraft was delivered to a customer on Dec. 20, 2012.